United Nations Logo

Using the language of symbols, the logo of the United Nations states the mission of the intergovernmental organization focusing on promoting peace and international cooperation.

United Nations logo meaning and history

The history of the emblem started during the UN Conference on International Organization in 1945. The logotype was created by a group of people headed by Oliver Lincoln Lundquist, a well-known architect and industrial designer.

Both the original logo and the current one feature a map of the world as seen from the North Pole. In the first version, the projection of the map extends to the 40th parallel south, while the current projection extends to 60th parallel south and includes 5 concentric circles. The revised emblem was approved by the Assembly in 1946.

The meaning of the design seems to be perfectly clear. While the olive wreath is an ancient symbol of peace, the map is the indication of the organization’s desire to extend its influence to the whole world.

Symbols of other UN Family members

There are several organizations working under the UN umbrella. Logos of some of them incorporate the United Nations logo, while others have a completely different brand identity. For instance, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) logo features the familiar globe and laurel wreath, as well as the iconic combination of light blue and white, while the United Nations High Commissioner For Human Rights only takes the olive branches.

UN emblem and conspiracy theories

Like many other logotypes, that of the UN has been accused of having a sinister hidden meaning. Take, for instance, the fact that the map projection is given as if it was seen from the North. The New Jerusalem, where the Antichrist will supposedly rule, is situated “on the sides of the north.” Conspiracy theorists also find other signs that the emblem actually symbolizes the Northern Army conquering the world before the Antichrist comes to rule it. They don’t actually explain whether it makes any difference which army in particular will conquer the world.

Flag United Nations

The flag is based on the emblem, which is placed right at its center. The emblem itself is given in white, in its regular version, while the background is light blue. The proportions are typically 2:3 or 3:5 (width and length respectively). The size of the emblem is a half of the width of the flag.

Font of the United Nations logo

While neither the UN logo nor the flag feature any text, the organization’s official web resource has the words “United Nations” written in a simple, perfectly legible sans serif type.

Colors of the United Nations logo

The official palette of the organization includes only two colors: white and light blue (PMS 279). Although the UN claim the colors don’t actually have any symbolic meaning, it is obvious that the combination is most often perceived as the colors of the clear sky (and the clouds), which is often considered a symbol of peace. The organization has mentioned though that it was chosen as the opposite of red, the war color.

While the flag features white and light blue, the emblem itself is typically given in gold against the white background.